The path to true happiness and prosperity is found in having God as your life-source. When we drink in the waters of the Spirit and so “find happiness in the Teaching of the LORD, and think about it day and night, we will be like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season, that always have leaves. We will succeed in everything we do” (Psa. 1:2-3 CEV adapted to first person).
We “will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon” (Psa. 92:12 NKJV). We will be “like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. We will not fear when the heat comes, and our leaves will always be green. We will not worry in a year of drought, and we will not cease to produce fruit” (Jer. 17:8 NKJV adapted to first person).
Nothing more needs to be said. When we are planted in God, we will be joyful and productive. We will have nothing to fear because we are always attached to that life-giving stream. Even when there is the inevitable period of drought, trials and hardships, our happiness won’t be overwhelmed and what’s more, we will continue to be a blessing to others.
If the Spirit courses through our veins then we no longer belong to ourselves and our own selfish ambitions. It is the mind of God that is taking over in us and producing fruits – indeed the “fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23 NKJV).
The growth cycle of a tree well-planted beside a fresh stream is slow and steady and so will be our growth as we absorb the mind of the Spirit. Once we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and invited His Spirit to dwell in us, then we will begin to grow tall and stately and be a blessing to others with our beautiful godly character. True happiness will be ours.
Footnote
For 榕 (Rong), whose name means a “long-living tree”. She has just called on Jesus to save her and it is the promise of Jesus that all who call upon His name will be saved (Rom. 10:13).